Why Are My Brakes Grinding When I Use Them?

Mechanic working on car brake
 

Brakes grinding when you’re out and about in Roswell can be a significant safety concern. So if you’re asking yourself, “Why are my brakes grinding?” it’s smart to book a service appointment as soon as possible.

You might assume it’s not going to be harmful if you delay service after hearing your brakes making a grinding noise, but consider this: the National Highway Safety Administration reports that faulty brakes may be a factor in up to 25% of all road accidents. With that in mind, it’s best to learn prudent when it comes to brake issues. Learn more about the issue of brakes grinding with our team. 

Brakes Grinding When Stopping: What Does it Mean? 

Try to take note of when you hear your brakes making a grinding noise, as this might tell you about the underlying cause. If you hear your brakes grinding when stopping at an intersection in Marietta, it might mean:

  • If you only hear the sound of brakes grinding when you’re using your brakes to stop or slow down, it’s probably the brake pads that require attention. The pads thin out over time and will start to squeal, which is known as brake scrubbing. But as the pads grow even thinner, the squealing will turn into a grinding noise.
  • Do your brakes grinding produce a sound of a sharper quality? This may indicate a problem with the brake disc and calipers. Sometimes, this issue is accompanied by a rumble in the brake pedal. To fix the problem, you might need a brake pad replacement plus a disc or rotor replacement.
  • When you apply the brake pedal at full force, are your brakes making a grinding noise? This might just be your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) activating! This safety feature springs into action when you use the brakes at full force to help keep your car stable, and it’s common to also feel a vibration in the pedal.

What If You Hear Your Brakes Grinding When Driving?

You might hear the brakes making a grinding noise in Johns Creek even though you aren’t actually using the brakes. This may result from rocks and debris getting trapped in the brake system and bouncing around on the caliper and rotor. Fortunately, this is a simple fix! You can bring your vehicle into a service center and get the debris removed rather quickly. But, easy as it is, it’s best not to delay the service because debris in your brake system can lead to more extensive damage. 

Keep Your Brakes in Good Form with Our Help 

If your brakes are grinding when stopping, it’s time to visit the service team at United BMW! We’ll help you stay safe on the road. If you have any other service questions, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

 

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